Dem U.S. Rep. Ron Kind said today he won’t run for governor in 2018 and will instead focus on ensuring Congress won’t enact policies “that will harm Wisconsinites back home.”
He’ll also run for re-election to his La Crosse area seat in 2018, a spokeswoman said.
Kind, D-La Crosse, said in a statement he’s “extremely humbled and appreciative” of those who’ve approached him encouraging him to run. But “after much consideration and consultation with my family,” he said, he decided not to run and instead give his “undivided attention” to his work in Congress.
“I will work with anyone willing to create good-paying jobs that grow the local economy, increase the affordability of higher education, protect social security and Medicare for Wisconsin seniors, and help support Wisconsin’s family farmers and production agriculture,” Kind said. “The push for endless political campaigning does a disservice to everyone in Wisconsin.”
Gov. Scott Walker has not said whether he’ll seek a third term, but campaign spokesman Joe Fadness said Dems will have a tough time in 2018.
“With the lowest unemployment rate since 2001, more people working than ever before and a bright economic outlook for Wisconsin families, it’s not surprising that Democrats are thinking twice about running against Gov. Walker’s strong record of results and reform,” Fadness said.
This post has been updated with reaction from Walker’s campaign.
